Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Arctic expeditions are underway across the Canadian and Greenlandic polar regions, with adventurers undertaking challenging journeys via sled and ski. Canadian explorers Ray Zahab and Kevin Vallely recently concluded a 28-day, 500km sled expedition across Ellesmere Island, traversing from Eureka to Grise Fiord. Their polar expedition aimed to maximize overland travel, achieving approximately 60% land travel and the remainder on sea ice. Wildlife sightings included 22 muskoxen, one Arctic hare, and 31 wolves, with some wolves venturing directly through their campsite.
Ellesmere Island Expeditions
Ousland and Colliard’s Ambitious Crossing
The most ambitious Arctic expedition this season is the undertaking by Borge Ousland and Vincent Colliard. This experienced duo is attempting the first unsupported north-to-south traverse of Ellesmere Island. Currently stationed in Resolute, they are awaiting favorable weather conditions for a flight to Ward Hunt Island, their starting point. The chartered flight for this leg of their journey is a significant expense, costing $72,000. From Ward Hunt Island, their planned route involves skiing approximately 1,100km across three ice caps to King Edward Point, the southernmost extremity of Ellesmere Island, and continuing over sea ice to Grise Fiord.
Northwest Passage Journeys
Spanish Team’s Sled Journey to Gjoa Haven
Spaniards Jose Trejo, Sechu Lopez, and Francisco Mira are engaged in a sled journey towards Gjoa Haven, having completed two weeks of their expedition. To circumvent open water in Barrow Strait, the team utilized a charter flight from Resolute to cross the channel and commenced skiing near Prince of Wales Island.
As of April 6th, the team has covered approximately 125km. They have reported encountering frigid temperatures, substantial sled weights, and soft snow conditions. Initial days were marked by reduced visibility and a day confined to camp due to a storm. Progressing southward past Prescott Island, snow conditions varied, presenting firm surfaces in the mornings that softened by midday, impeding travel speed. Their revised itinerary includes a shift southwest towards the Tasmania Islands, located off the Boothia Peninsula. The team anticipates approximately 400km remaining to reach their destination.
Anders Brenna’s Solo Victoria Island Traverse
Norwegian adventurer Anders Brenna is roughly 27 days into his solo 1,100km sled expedition. His route spans from Gjoa Haven to Glenelg Bay on northern Victoria Island. He is presently situated on the southeastern side of Royal Geographical Society Island. He reached this location by crossing sea ice from his initial starting point on King William Island.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Baffin Island Expedition
British Team Explores Akshayuk Pass Region
A British team, comprised of Tom Harding, Ben James, Leanne Dyke, and James Hoyes, commenced their expedition in the Weasel River Valley, having been transported there by snowmobile last week. Subsequently, they have been sledding towards the mountains east of Akshayuk Pass, in proximity to the notable Mount Thor. The team reported reaching a summit on April 17th, with GPS data also indicating a summit achieved on April 15th.
Northwest Territories Adventure
Rotmo and Valle’s Kugluktuk Sled Journey
Norwegian veterans Bengt Rotmo and Randulf Valle are over three weeks into their 700km sled journey. Their expedition began near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, with the destination of Kugluktuk in northwestern Nunavut. Departing from Great Slave Lake on March 25th, they have advanced northward, traversing forest, frozen lakes, and tundra landscapes. In recent days, they arrived at Point Lake as planned and have encountered fluctuating spring weather conditions, encompassing rain, crusted snow, whiteouts, and drifting snow.
Throughout their journey, they have observed wildlife including wolves, foxes, and caribou. The team noted on April 16th the increasing presence of spruce forest patches appearing on the open tundra. As they approach Napaktulik Lake, they may encounter local residents traveling during the Easter weekend.
Ungava Peninsula Crossings
Lalande-Markon and L’Ecuyer Complete Quebec Traverse
Earlier this week, Samuel Lalande-Markon and Marie-France L’Ecuyer successfully completed a 27-day, 400km ski crossing of Quebec’s Ungava Peninsula. Their route from Akulivik to Kangiqsujuaq spanned 27 days, taking them past geographical features including the Puvirnituq River, Qulusuttalik Canyon, and the Pingualuit Crater. They faced challenges at times with strong winds and reduced visibility.
Greene’s Team Alters Route Due to Setback
Similarly, Canadian explorer Dave Greene and his two companions undertook a 25-day, 400km ski expedition, also commencing in Akulivik and initially destined for Kangiqsujuaq. Their original plan involved concluding their journey in the more distant community of Kangirsuk. However, a fuel leak affecting their sleds resulted in the spoilage of essential food supplies, necessitating a change in their final destination.
Greenland Expedition
Ogita’s Greenland Ski Expedition Imminent
Japanese Arctic traveler Yasu Ogita has arrived in Qaanaq and is awaiting helicopter transport to Siorapaluk. Siorapaluk is recognized as the northernmost village in Greenland, and globally. From this location, he is preparing to commence a 400km skiing expedition to the Cape Inglefield region and subsequently return.